Research from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital Southampton has identified a possible link between antibiotic use during treatment for glioblastoma brain cancer and shorter survival rates.
Approximately 40% of patients with brain cancer suffer from a glioblastoma tumour, a particularly aggressive and difficult to treat form of brain cancer. Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma are sometimes given an antibiotic as part of the standard treatment plan during radiotherapy and chemotherapy to help combat a rare form of pneumonia glioblastoma patients can suffer from.
But the research, published in Clinical Oncology, suggests this can have a negative effect on long term survival rates for patients. The study, which involved 373 patients across both Guy’s and St Thomas’ and University Hospital Southampton, found that patients receiving antibiotics lived for a shorter time than those who did not, despite patients recovering from their infections. Further testing showed the negative link between antibiotics and survival rates remained even after researchers considered other factors that can impact survival such as steroid use, tumour characteristics and infection.
Dr Miguel Reis Ferreira, consultant clinical oncologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’, clinical lecturer at King’s College London and senior author of the paper, said: “This study highlights how important it is to use antibiotics carefully in patients being treated for brain cancers. It also suggests that the microbiome, the community of bacteria that live in and on our bodies, may play a role in helping patients get the best possible benefit from treatment.
“It’s important to note that this does not mean antibiotics should be withheld from patients who need them, as they remain essential and can be lifesaving. But it does support avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and choosing more targeted antibiotics wherever possible.”
First author Dr Sean Main, consultant neuro-oncologist at University Hospital Southampton and inaugural Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission fellow, said:
“For patients with glioblastoma, every opportunity to improve treatment outcomes matters. Our study suggests that broad-spectrum antibiotics may have unintended consequences for survival.
“While further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, it highlights the importance of carefully balancing the benefits and possible effects of antibiotic use during treatment.”
Jess Mills, CEO and founder of the Tessa Jowell Foundation, said: “People diagnosed with glioblastoma urgently need every possible advantage. This study highlights how even small changes in the way we deliver treatment could make a meaningful difference, and why research that asks difficult questions is so important.
“The Tessa Jowell Foundation is committed to supporting the brilliant clinicians and researchers who are working to improve both the quality and outcomes of care.
“We are delighted to see our inaugural Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission Fellow leading research that has the potential to shape future clinical practice and ultimately improve the lives of patients and their families.”
The research was supported by the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission.
The belief that the gut microbiome may be a reason for antibiotic impact on survival rates is now being explored by the same research team in an ongoing study involving patients treated at Guy’s and St Thomas’ and King’s College Hospital. Researchers hope a better understanding of how antibiotics, infections, cancer treatment and the microbiome interact could ultimately help clinicians personalise care and improve outcomes for people living with glioblastoma.
